Hood Creek Campground

I had such a fantastic September stay at Hood Creek with gorgeous weather and peaceful views. Of all the sites only a few were undesirable with the vast majority being awesome. Signs posted this weekend that gate is closing for the season at 12:00PM 9/28/25. Never saw a forest service staff member or any representative for the recreation area this weekend. A massive bummer that boils my blood is I had no less than 5 nearby spots all reserved for multiple nights where nobody showed during the entire weekend while others strolled thru looking for a place to camp. Total garbage. Something has to improve on this because affluent people don’t give an ounce of care by booking and not using. The reservoir was nearly 25ft below full this time of year. Bathrooms were very clean but definitely stenchy. I believe that there was a water spigot there but wasn’t paying much attention to that. Overall just a tremendous place to spend a solid few days enjoying.

About 15 miles of paved roads from Bozeman. Separated sites, most with lake views. Clean vault toilets.

This was of first destination in our new vintage camper and it did not disappoint! We were lucky to find a reservation opening last minute over the 4th of July holiday weekend. Our site was right on the water to enjoy paddle boarding on the wake free lake. The water was stunning but don’t let the warm summer temps fool you, this water is ice cold as it is filled from snow melt. Curvy switchbacks to get up the mountain, but fully paved. Site 09 had a flat spot for the camper but included steps going down to picnic table and fire ring (tent pad was down by the fire). The sites and bathrooms were very clean. Highly recommend if you want water and mountain views and don’t need a full hookup.

Site 3 is right by a water source which is nice. Bathrooms are pretty close as well. The driveway is big enough for 4-5 cars and you could also fit multiple tents on site

Perfect get away with so many different things to do. Hikes- mtb- kayaks just a wonderful place to visit

This campground is situated almost immediately on the lake and most sites (but not the one we were in unfortunately) have stunning views over the lake. The campground host was very friendly. The bathrooms are the nicest and cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen.

Nice spot right on the water. My only complaint is the day users are very invasive here - they park in your campsite, walk right through your campsite and take over the beach.

Hike up here all the time, but first time camping and wasn’t disappointed. Spots are great for tents and RVs, but cater more towards tents. Watch out for day users because they try to steal camping spots. It got pretty ridiculous, especially since the only people monitoring it are the campers.

Great little campground on Hyalite Lake. Most sites have lake views and/or access. You are across from a trailhead with more trailheads further up and down the road, so there is lots to do, including boating and OHV in the canyon. The campground has a couple vault toilets and water pumps, and there is another vault toilet in the day use area. Every site has an ADA picnic table, fire pit, and cleared area for a tent or two. Sites are nicely spaced though there seems to be some trails connecting them along the lake. I had a little rocky beach below my site down a steep hill, and it looked like a couple other sites had similar. There is a lot of road noise and dust during the day and evening, and there is some construction going on currently on the access road as well as on the road going further up the canyon.

Such a beautiful campsite and lake!! Swimming and fishing was so much fun. It was amazing disconnecting and reconnecting here. And the camp host Ron, is awesome!

The adjacent Hyalite Reservoir is spectacularly scenic. Bring your favorite watercraft or floaty, because you'll want to go out onto the water to explore, taking in the fantastic scenery. A number of formal and informal hiking trails- mostly across the reservoir or a short drive to the trailhead, and a surprise glorious mountain-meadow vista. Even without those activities, this is a special place to camp. Dog-friendly. Only downside was the construction (2020), diverting traffic through the campground and kicking up a lot of dust. Small potatoes, but the only thing keeping the campground experience from perfection.

The views from this campground are amazing! The host was super friendly & informative. Pets are allowed off leash (if well behaved). Lots of trailheads near the campgrounds.

Stayed here one night after passing through Bozeman to get my Go Fast Camper. It did not disappoint. We stayed at spot 12 and it had amazing views of the lake/reservoir and mountain. Hiking trails around there are great as well. Camp hosts were super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend. Pet friendly! No AT&T or Sprint cell signal.

#26! You want site #26! You get an entire point/peninsula to yourself with a perfect view of the mountains! Put your paddle board/kayak or whatever’s in right there. A few great hammock trees. This place is amazing and the best campsite we’ve ever had. The camp hosts were great, the place was pristine!

We love this area, and this site was fine for us...however, it is a bit of a steep walk down some steps from the parking spot to the picnic area. And again from the picnic area down to the water. This might be difficult for anyone who has trouble with mobility. Always a fun area for kids to play in the water!

My wife and I were traveling from Glacier NP to Yellowstone and needed a break for sleep along the way. We were able to make an online reservation for Hood Creek in advance, and even managed to get site 20 which is right on the water! Beautiful lake. Well maintained sites and roads. Close to shopping centers which was helpful for us in between backcountry hiking trips. There is an REI just up the street. I believe the online reservation was only $14. Far better than a hotel! The site had a parking pad, fire ring and a picnic table. There are bear proof containers and trash cans easily accessible. Overall great place to stay!

Hood Creek Campground is a great site for a quick weekend getaway from town. It's just a 30-minute drive from the middle of Bozeman. The group camp site sits off to the side of most of the individual sites and it's right on the reservoir. We camped with nine other families and a plethora of kids between us. The site had a lot of room for all of the bikes, kayaks, and other family camping paraphernalia a group our size required. Most of the families brought campers up and there was room for all of them in this area. A handful of us were in tents and we had room to spare. Several great family-friendly hiking options (Grotto Fall, Palasaide Falls, Hyalite Reservoir Loop) are all very close by as well.

We've camped here before as just an individual family as well and had a great experience that time too. This campground books up super fast, so plan out your trip well in advance and book it as soon as you can! You won't be sorry.